This initiative will help extend the life of usable digital devices and put them into the hands of Australians who need them most.
Around one in 5 Australians experience digital exclusion, with higher rates among First Nations Australians, older Australians and people with disability. A lack of access to affordable devices remains a barrier to education, employment, healthcare and essential services for many Australians.
As Australia undergoes rapid technological change, including the growing use of artificial intelligence, ensuring Australians can access and benefit from technology is increasingly important.
The Tech Reuse for Good Charter provides a practical way to address this challenge. The voluntary, principles-based initiative encourages organisations to donate surplus digital devices for refurbishment and redistribution.
The opportunity is significant. Around 10 million computers and tablets and 6.5 million mobile phones are expected to be refreshed across Australia’s corporate and public sectors over the next 5 years.
As a founding signatory, our department is supporting a shared effort across industry, government and the not-for-profit sector. We aim to give usable technology a second life and encourage more organisations to get involved.
Reusing surplus devices can help create a more inclusive digital economy. It can broaden access to the tools Australians need to participate in education, employment and essential services. It can also strengthen Australia’s circular economy by reducing e-waste and lowering demand for valuable materials.
The charter complements the National Device Reuse Principles. These principles provide a nationally consistent framework to help Australian governments safely reuse government ICT devices while meeting legislative and policy requirements.
